Water Quantity & Quality

Tinker Falls in NY

Found this trail description in NY Hiking:

Located in the 1483 acre Labrador Hollow Unique Area is the beautiful main 50 foot Tinker Falls with its impressive natural rock amphitheater above a 30 foot rocky cascade. The falls are most spectacular during the spring thaw and after a major rain storm. The falls can be reached for viewing from a short accessible trail from NY 91.

A large parking lot off NY 91 marks the trailhead for Tinker Falls. It is located south of Labrador Crossing Road, just south of the Onondaga/Cortland County line on the west side of the road. The GPS coordinates are N42 46.820 W76 02.182 for the parking area. This is also the trailhead for the Skyline Trail, the “Hang Glider Spot on Jones Hill” and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which actually passes nearly directly above the waterfall.

The Tinker Falls Trail begins across NY 91 at the kiosk. Handicap parking is available on that side of the road where the trail begins. The accessible trail follows along Tinker Falls creek, which is on your right as you walk along the path. You may notice the steep walls begin to surround you as you get further away from the kiosk. A few benches are available along the trail for those who’d like to take a break. The trail is very easy with a very gentle grade and can be enjoyed by everyone in your family.

The accessible trail ends at 0.25 miles from the kiosk. There is a partial view of the falls from here. Many people walk up further through the slippery stream bed to get closer to the falls and even behind the falls. You do this at your own risk of serious injury. Remember that the rocks are very slippery and can be dangerous. Look up above the falls and remember that the North Country Trail is located just beyond the top of the falls on its long journey from North Dakota to Crown Point, NY.